Donald Klass

Donald Frank Klass, born on May 18, 1950, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday morning, October 8, 2024 in his home in Eau Claire at the age 74. He was the son of Frank and Wilda Klass (Stipek). On September 11, 1971, Don married the love of his life, Constance Moffit.  Don and Connie had 5 children, Chad, Chris, Curt, Kyle, and Kayla.

Don served our country in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years. During that time, Don also ran the North Star tavern in Sheldon, WI for Herb and Harriet Wriedt and worked for Carl Nosser doing cement contracting.

In 1975, Don and Connie bought a farm between Cornell and Cadott, WI. They raised their five children on the farm until 1997, when they sold the farm and moved into Cornell. While living on the farm, Don served on the board of directors for the Cornell Farmers Union. After selling the farm, Don worked for JBJ management selling farm products, and then he became an operator for the city of Cornell.

Whether living on the farm or in town, Don was an active member of the community. He was a trustee and an elder at Cornell’s Presbyterian church and served as a coach for the Cornell High School wrestling program for 12 years, including time as Head Coach. He also coached the girl’s volleyball team for several years. 

Don was a volunteer at the Cornell Food Pantry for several years and was an active member of the Cornell Lions Club and The American Legion. One of his favorite contributions was grilling chicken for both organizations each spring and summer.

During his free time, Don loved reading, gardening, bowling, fishing, and hunting. He loved playing any type of card game and often participated in local card tournaments. For over 10 years, he was a valued member of Wisconsin’s music community and spent his weekends running the light show for his daughter’s bands: Cats Ass, Twisted Rhythm, and Sugar Rush. He especially loved when his kids would come home to visit. He’d start a campfire and they’d all sit around the fire drinking beer, catching up, and reminiscing. He was so proud of all his children.

Don also did his part to support local parents. Each Christmas, he’d dress up as Santa Claus and make his rounds around the neighborhood, tapping on living room windows and enjoying the show as parents would delight as their children’s faces would light up in recognition and awe. Many a children were moved from the naughty to the nice list in time for Christmas under Don’s watchful gaze.

In his retirement, Don worked a part-time job at Holiday gas station. He loved getting to know his customers and chatting with them when they’d stop in.

Don’s family would love to thank the entire staff of Mayo Hospice, with special thanks for his nurse, Angie and social worker, Heather. We’d also love to extend our thanks to Mary and Sara, who helped guide us through Don’s final, peaceful moments.

Don is survived by his wife, Connie, children: Chad(Alex) Klass, Chris(Joe) Szorcsik, Curt(Jamie) Klass, Kyle(Rachael) Klass, and Kayla(Kyle) Friske, 7 grandchildren, Tyler, Alyssa, Lucy, Natalie, Ellie, Emma, and Easton. He is also survived by his sisters, Gloria(Joe) Weller and Kathy(Lyle) Briggs. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Wilda, his grandson, Jacob, father-in-law, Don Moffit, step-father-in-law, Herb Wriedt, and son-in-law, Laurence Feichter.

There won’t be a funeral or public viewing, but instead we’ll all get togehter to celebrate Don’s life with a helluva party on his next birthday, May 18, 2025. In the meantime, Don loved a good Brandy and Coke. Let’s all grab a drink and raise a cup in his honor. 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.   

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